Eight Bruins earn all-conference honors in women's soccer

OMAHA, Neb. -- The Bellevue University women's soccer team placed eight athletes on the 2012 all-MCAC first and second teams in announcement made today in conjunction with the 2012 MCAC Women's Soccer Tournament. Five were named to the first team and three to the second team.

In addition, Rebecca Fairfax was named the MCAC Defensive Player of the Year, Kate Petersen earned MCAC Freshman of the Year accolades, and Andy Nicolarsen earned his fifth-straight MCAC Coach of the Year honor. 

Bruins named to the first team included: goalkeeper Caitlin Stier, defender Rebecca Fairfax, midfielders Paige Wischmann and Yaritza Estrada, and forward Jenica Bloom. Second team selections included defenders Kate Petersen and Emily Hester, and forward Betsy Fischenich. 

The Bruins (13-3-1/6-0-1 MCAC) captured the 2012 MCAC regular season and tournament titles, advancing to the NAIA National Tournament for the third-straight season. Bellevue won its fourth-consecutive MCAC Tournament title last Saturday with a 2-1 double overtime victory over Oklahoma Wesleyan University at Tranquility Park. 

MCAC Freshman of the Year: Kate Petersen (Bellevue University)

MCAC Newcomer of the Year: Katie Pickinpaugh (College of Saint Mary)

MCAC Offensive Player of the Year: Libby Storie (Oklahoma Wesleyan University)

MCAC Defensive Player of the Year: Rebecca Fairfax (Bellevue University)

MCAC Coach of the Year: Andy Nicolarsen (Bellevue University)

Kate Petersen was named the MCAC Freshman of the Year

First Team

GK: Caitlin Stier (Bellevue University)

GK: Lisa Amman (Oklahoma Wesleyan University)

D: Raeleigh Withey (College of Saint Mary)

D: Bristol Clark (Oklahoma Wesleyan University)

D: Rebecca Fairfax (Bellevue University)

D: Karissa Vilks (Waldorf College)

MF: Katie Pickinpaugh (College of Saint Mary)

MF: Brittany Kemper (Central Baptist College)

MF: Paige Wischmann (Bellevue University)

MF: Yaritza Estrada (Bellevue University)

F: Jenica Bloom (Bellevue University)

F: Amber Brown-Longoria (Oklahoma Wesleyan University)

F: Abby Schlater (College of Saint Mary)

F: Libby Storie (Oklahoma Wesleyan University)

Andy Nicolarsen was named the MCAC Coach of the Year for the fifth-straight season.

Second Team

GK: Katy Keefer (York College)

GK: Becca Clements (Central Baptist College)

D: Polly New (Oklahoma Wesleyan University)

D: Katy Baldridge (Central Baptist College)

D: Kate Petersen (Bellevue University)

D: Emily Hester (Bellevue University)

MF: Carrie Berzins (York College)

MF: Sarah McGuire (College of Saint Mary)

MF: Ashley Burnett (Oklahoma Wesleyan University)

MF: Morgan Aupperle (Waldorf College)

F: Abby Zach (College of Saint Mary)

F: Krystina Powell (Central Christian College)

F: Miranda White (Southwestern College)

F: Betsy Fischenich (Bellevue University)